Press Release: SolTrans Honors Retiree and Welcomes New Board Members

SolTrans Honors Retiree and Welcomes New Board Members Press Release

Vallejo, CA – On Thursday, February 21, the SolTrans Board and staff celebrated by honoring their recently retired driver, Cruz Contreras, at their board meeting. Mr. Contreras has been a valued employee for 13 years with SolTrans, and their predecessor agency Vallejo Transit, and he was thought of highly by the entire team.

“Everyone loved ‘Cruz Control’, (a nick name given to him by the staff and his fellow drivers) he is always happy, on time for work and was always willing to go the extra mile for others.” Steph Maher, General Manager for NEXT Operations said. “Beyond that, he had an acclaimed safety record and operated the bus in a safe and conscientious manner.” She added.

Cruz was an inspiration to his fellow drivers by setting a great example and leaving a legacy of excellence with all of those who had the privilege to work with him.

During the same meeting the SolTrans Board welcomed new board member, Suisun City Mayor Lori Wilson and alternate board member Benicia City Council Member Lionel Largaespada. The SolTrans Board is comprised of a six member Board of Directors with four City Council members from Benicia and Vallejo and two members from regional planning agencies boards of directors, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and the Solano Transportation Authority (STA).

Mayor Lori Wilson joins the SolTrans Board as the representatives from Solano Transportation Authority. Prior to becoming a member of the City Council, Mayor Wilson served as Vice Chair of the Suisun City Parks & Recreation Commission, and President of the Suisun City Community Services Foundation.

Mayor Wilson also represents Suisun City on the following Boards and Agencies: Suisun City Housing Authority, Suisun City Public Financing Authority, Suisun City Successor Agency, Suisun-Solano Water Authority and Numerous other agencies, board and committees to advocate for the best interest of the citizens of Suisun City.

Benicia City Council Member Lionel Largaespada has been very busy since moving to Benicia in 2005. He chairs the Economic Development Board for the City of Benicia, became an adviser for the senior services organization Carquinez Village Group and a Memorial Day ceremony volunteer for the Benicia Historical Society and continues his work as a mentor and volunteer for his daughters’ respective schools, Benicia Middle School and Matthew Turner Elementary. He is also on the Design Committee for Benicia Main Street and is a member of Benicia’s chapter of Native Sons of the Golden West.

Congratulations to Cruz, Mayor Wilson and Lionel Largaespada, the SolTrans Board and staff appreciate all of you!

Solano County Transit (SolTrans) has been the public transportation provider for south Solano County since July 2011. SolTrans provides local and regional fixed routes, complementary paratransit, dial-a-ride service, and subsidized taxi programs. The agency is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that is governed by a six-member Board of Directors, composed of two representatives from the cities of Benicia and Vallejo, Solano County’s representative on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and a representative from the Solano Transportation Authority.

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